A former health secretary has called for a shift in welfare spending to tackle the youth unemployment crisis, arguing that cutting benefits could fund expanded employment programs. The proposal, made by the author of a government-backed review, suggests upfront investment in support services as a way to address the issue. The suggestion has sparked internal debate within the Labour party, where welfare cuts remain a politically sensitive topic. The discussion highlights tensions between economic intervention and social welfare priorities.
Exclusive: Former health secretary says upfront investment in support is needed ‘if we are going to end the Neet crisis’Ministers should cut welfare spending to fund more employment support if it wants to end the youth Neet crisis, the author of a government-led review has said.Alan Milburn, the Tony Blair-era health secretary, told the Guardian he believed ministers should reduce benefits payments to help pay for more employment support, opening a potentially contentious debate within the Labour party over welfare cuts. Continue reading...
